How to Control Chronic Sore Throat

An occasional sore throat is unpleasant, but when you have this as a chronic issue it can make work, and life in general, difficult. Learn to control the sore throat symptoms and prevent it from occurring when possible.

Instructions

1. Identify the cause of your chronic sore throat. This can only be done with a visit to the doctor to understand if it is a health problem like a recurring virus or environmental issue such as allergies.

2. Be familiar with the signs and symptoms associated with a sore throat. This helps you to know when to start self-treating your sore throat--the earlier you do the better your chances of it lasting a shorter period of time. Symptoms include swelling in the neck or throat, or difficulty swallowing.

3. Know what environmental causes create a chronic sore throat and limit your time around them. These include seasonal allergies where you should stay inside as much as possible, dry air for which you can use a humidifier and smoking or being around smoke.

4. Treat the other symptoms you have in addition to your sore throat, such as a headache, fever, muscle aches or fatigue. Taking a pain reliever daily while experiencing them can help your throat as well. Drink plenty of fluids such as water to remain hydrated.

5. Take care of yourself on a daily basis by eating healthfully and limiting stress when possible, as these things can exacerbate the issue. Wash your hands and clean your home and workspace regularly to avoid bacteria that can cause a sore throat.

6. Use home remedies to treat symptoms. These include gargling with salt water, sucking on a hard piece of candy or throat lozenge and keeping your head elevated when sleeping. Stop eating and drinking at least 2 hours before going to sleep as well.

Tips & Warnings

• If your sore throat doesn't go away in more than a week after it starts, see your doctor. While your treatments and prevention techniques can help, you could have another health issue you are unaware of.